Panthers’ QB Challenge, While They Falter, Others Thrive with Rising Stars and Former Carolina Player

Panthers’ QB Challenge, While They Falter, Others Thrive with Rising Stars and Former Carolina Player

 

Bo Nix has already recorded more wins in his rookie season than any quarterback in Denver Broncos history.

 

 

 

Jayden Daniels, famous for his Hail Mary passes, has the Washington Commanders at the top of the NFC East, while Caleb Williams is displaying promise with the Chicago Bears.

 

 

C.J. Stroud is excelling in his role, and both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield are revitalizing their careers in Minnesota and Tampa Bay.

 

 

 

 

The Carolina Panthers could have had any of these quarterbacks if they had made wiser choices.

 

 

 

This situation must be frustrating for owner David Tepper, who has struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback. His coaching staff hasn’t successfully developed a standout player, and the front office has either drafted the wrong players or made decisions that prevented them from acquiring the right ones.

 

 

 

The Panthers traded for Darnold and Mayfield but released them after their lackluster performances. Additionally, they opted not to select Stroud with the first overall pick in 2023, and trading up for Bryce Young last year cost them the top pick in this year’s draft and a chance to land one of the 2024 rookie quarterbacks.

 

 

 

 

The Panthers are currently relying on Bryce Young and 36-year-old Andy Dalton at quarterback.

 

 

 

Young holds a record of 2-17 as a starter in the NFL and had another tough outing on Sunday, losing 28-14 to Nix and the Broncos. Nix, selected 12th in this year’s draft, demonstrated his potential as a franchise quarterback by throwing three touchdown passes against a Panthers defense that has surrendered the most points in the league. In contrast,g Young continued to struggle with decision-making, pocket presence, and leadership, issues that have plagued him throughout his career.

 

 

 

After the game, Broncos coach Sean Payton commented on his defense’s performance, saying, “It’s not a good offense we played. It’s just the truth. We expected that, and we’re going to face much better teams.” That encapsulates the situation well.

 

 

 

 

Young threw two more interceptions on Sunday, bringing his career total to 15 interceptions compared to just 13 touchdown passes.

 

 

 

 

The Panthers (1-7) are not progressing and lack a clear solution at quarterback. The future in Carolina looks uncertain, but there is a glimmer of hope: they are likely to secure a top-three pick in the 2025 draft, providing an opportunity to start fresh at quarterback.

 

 

 

 

Regarding next steps, Panthers coach Dave Canales mentioned it’s uncertain whether Young or Dalton will start next Sunday against New Orleans.